76ers star Joel Embiid called out Raptors coach Nick Nurse following Philadelphia's 112-97 Game 2 win on Monday. The comments came after Embiid was asked about the conversation he and Nurse had on the sidelines following the game.
"He’s a great coach obviously, what he’s been able to accomplish I always been a big fan," Embiid said in the postgame news conference. "But I told him, respectfully, to stop bitching about calls because I saw what he said last game. I mean, if you’re going to triple-team somebody all game, they’re bound to get to the free-throw line … So, I feel like every fouls were legit and probably should’ve been more.
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"I think it’s all about having self-awareness and I think (coaches) just do it because they have to but they don’t have to actually believe it. If you watch the clips, every single foul is a foul.”
The comments stem from a big free-throw disparity in Monday's game. Toronto was 10-of-12 from the line. Embiid (12-of-14) made as many as the Raptors attempted. Philadelphia shot 30 free throws while also shooting 52.2 percent from the field.
In Game 2, Embiid played 37 minutes, recording a double-double 31 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers travel to Toronto for Game 3 on Wednesday, leading the series 2-0.
(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
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Raptors get thoroughly outclassed by Sixers and are now in a 2-0 hole
How have the Sixers looked in their first two playoff games?
Rich Hofmann, 76ers beat writer: The Sixers have looked to be the clear better team so far in the series. And it's not just that Embiid and Harden have played well. The Sixers are getting whatever shot they want offensively, which has allowed Maxey and Harris to have big games in opening up the 2-0 series lead. After stumbling toward the end of the regular season, Rivers and the Sixers look to have righted the ship a bit to start the postseason.
How can the Raptors come back in this series?
Eric Koreen, Raptors beat writer: First off, they need some health. Barnes missed the game with a sprained ankle, while Gary Trent Jr. (illness) and Thaddeus Young (hyperextended thumb) were ineffective in their short stints.
Next, they have to be quicker to collapse on Embiid, not allowing him to bully them for positioning. On that end, it would help if the officials were looser with their whistles. They also need the 76ers' role players to cool off, as Philadelphia shot 12-for-24 from deep, not including Embiid and Harden. Perhaps the change in scenery will help with that.